The Canary Islands are volcanic in origin and experience a subtropical climate, which means they enjoy year-round warm temperatures. The islands attract many expatriates, who make up about 13% of the population, according to the Spanish Institute of Statistics.
Good to know:
The autonomous community of the Canary Islands is divided into two provinces, Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The overall population is around 2,177,700 inhabitants.
The economy of the Canary Islands is principally based on the tertiary or services sector (around 74%), with tourism as the most significant contributor. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 14 million people vacationed in the archipelago annually. Industry represents about 8% of the regional GDP, and food processing, clean technologies and oil refining are other important economic pillars.
Like many places worldwide, the economy of the Canary Islands took a big hit during the COVID crisis. However, today, it is well in recovery mode. In 2022, the economy grew by 8.2%, which was better than the 5.2% growth of the Spanish economy. That´s according to data released by the Canary Islands Institute of Statistics. Meanwhile, the gross domestic product (GDP) is at 93.7% of the value recorded before the pandemic.
In spring 2023, the workforce in the Canary Islands experienced a 0.5% increase, reaching a total of 877,258 workers. The islands also significantly reduced their unemployment rates, with an annual decrease of 9%. This brought the number of unemployed individuals down to 179,692, marking the first time it had fallen below 180,000 since August 2008. Encouragingly, every sector of the Canarian economy witnessed a decline in the number of jobless individuals.
If you're a job seeker moving to the Canary Islands, you'll probably stand a better chance of employment success if you have two foreign languages under your belt, including Spanish. English, German and Russian language speakers are in demand in fields such as tourism, hospitality, call centers, education and information and communications technology.
In general, transport, industry and construction jobs tend to go to skilled local workers.
Important:
Following the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union, UK citizens no longer have an automatic right to live and work in Spain. The only way UK citizens can secure a full-time job is to land a role featured on Spain's shortage occupation list.
These new rules do not apply to UK citizens who were legal residents in the Canary Islands or Spain before 2021 and remain legal residents.
Good to know:
The average salary in the Canaries is one of the lowest in Spain, and the cost of living is high. In 2021, the average wage was 23,082 euros per year, but in 2022 it was 21,897 euros per year, a drop of 5.1%.
However, the islands are popular with digital nomads who are less reliant on the local economy and labor market.
The Canary Islands are a popular destination for expats looking for an exciting career change or a new start in life. However, finding a job in a foreign country can be challenging, especially if you don't know where to start. So here are a few useful tips to help you on your way to finding work in the Canary Islands:
Good to know:
The average working week in the Canary Islands is typically 40 hours. The working day will typically start between 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. and finish at 7:00 p.m. or 8:00 p.m. In between, there'll be a two-hour or three-hour lunch break/siesta between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Whether you're feeling confident or a bit nervous, there are some essential tips you should keep in mind to ensure you present yourself in the best possible way.
Knowing the cultural norms and customs of the Canary Islands will help you prepare for a job interview. It will help you to understand the interviewer's communication style and relate to them better.
Conduct thorough research about the organization that you are interviewing with. This will help you to understand their work culture, vision and mission.
It is essential to dress appropriately for an interview. Unless specified, you can dress in business casual attire.
You can anticipate and prepare for commonly asked interview questions such as "Tell me about yourself" and "Why do you want to work for this company?"
Punctuality is highly appreciated in the Canary Islands' work culture. Set out for the interview early to avoid getting lost or hitting unexpected traffic.
Practice your communication skills, including active listening, eye contact and body language.
Be prepared to discuss the skills, experience and personal qualities you gained while living in another country.
The people of the Canary Islands are known for being friendly, warm and welcoming, which translates into a workplace culture that is inclusive and supportive. It´s one that prioritizes collaboration, communication and teamwork, with a focus on building relationships and creating a positive work environment.
Useful links:
Canary Islands Employment Service